Banbridge man took mobile phones from his work and sold them

Mark Monroe from Riverview Court in Banbridge pleaded guilty to three charges of handling stolen goods and three charges of receiving stolen goods - all Samsung mobile phones, belonging to Teleperformance, Newry.

Monroe was told to return to court for sentencing on 16 October and was told that a pre-sentence report would be recommending 240 hours Community Service as an alternative to prison.

The court heard how last year enquiries led police to Monroe’s home. At the time he told police he bought and sold phones but didn’t keep records.

A PPS prosecutor told Judge Copeland that Teleperformance carried a large number of Samsung products in the call centre and these were used by staff for customer support purposes.

Barrister Mr Magill explained that the problem of mobiles going missing in the Call Centre was so widespread that an amnesty was called.

He said his client “took advantage” of the situation.

District Judge Mr Copeland said Monroe had “dishonestly and criminally sold phones.”

He added, “I am concerned that he almost in a perverse way, saw this as a perk of his job.”